Whitley Lodge First School Retains the IQM Inclusive School Award

September 3, 2026

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Whitley Lodge First School has successfully retained the Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) Inclusive School Award following its Year 3 Flagship Review. The review found that inclusion remains at the heart of the school’s ethos and vision, with an absolute commitment to the community which the school serves. 

The Haven Continues to Make a Difference 

At Whitley Lodge First School, the evolution of ‘The Haven’ has continued to be paramount. It remains a focus of the Flagship Project and a key priority within the school development plan. ‘The Haven’ continues to provide a safe space for the children to regulate whilst also being able to access appropriate interventions to ensure effective reintegration back into their class. 

The interventions delivered to the children through ‘The Haven’ continue to underpin the acquisition of literacy and numeracy skills to enable the children to have full access to the curriculum.  

The Early Years Team are also utilising the space to support development of gross motor skills and spatial awareness for the children placed within the nursery. The Early Years Team are extending their offer to the children through their use of the space to develop specific skills or to provide challenge which in return gives the children permission to take a risk and develop effective teamwork skills. 

A Whole-School Commitment to Wellbeing 

The partnership working between Whitley Lodge First School and the Mental Health Support Team continues to be a strength of the school. Leaders recognise the importance of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing to support the children to thrive. The collaborative working between Leaders and their Connect MHST Lead has resulted in a whole school approach to wellbeing which encompasses support to families. Interventions for parents/carers have included delivery of CBT based sessions and signposting to the Sleep Well North Tyneside workshops. 

Inclusive Experiences for Every Child 

The inclusivity of the practical subjects at Whitley Lodge First School, for example PE and Music is a significant strength of the school. The vast array of sports which all children are not only encouraged to participate in but can participate in due to adaptions is extensive. 

Since the last review, key additions to the PE curriculum which were shared include the promoting active travel to school, glow in the dark football and party games, involvement in the park run and an inclusive sports day. The PE Lead reported park run attendance by the children and their families increasing by over 100 participants, 43% increase in active travel to school compared to last academic year which is the highest in the authority and all activities completed during Sports Day being fully accessible by those children with physical disabilities. 

A new initiative introduced in October 2025 is Rock Steady which responds to the request for modern songs and more instrumental options. There are over 65 children participating. There is also the offer of a bursary for those children identified as pupil premium to enable them to access sessions. At least 6 are SEND, at least 6 are PP and some with ethnic backgrounds who have performed live. 

A School Where Children Thrive 

The inclusive nature of Whitley Lodge First School is evident as soon as you enter the school. The vision statement of Whitley Lodge First School is to create an active, creative and inclusive learning environment for all the children. The school is warm and welcoming creating that instant sense of belonging. 

During the Review Day, there was an opportunity to meet with the Student Leaders. The children exuberated confidence and talked extensively about how no-one is left out. The examples which the children gave ranged from feeling heard in class, making positive changes to the school lunches, the great experience of being a buddy and equal opportunity for all in relation to extra-curricular activities. 

Inclusion Through Community, Learning and Opportunity 

The school’s reward system, ‘The Wonder League’ is designed to support and foster positive relationships and a strong sense of responsibility and community across school. The expansion of enrichment opportunities in music with the introduction of Rock Steady, is widening the diverse and rich extra-curricular experience for the children. 

The Beach School curriculum develops pupils’ understanding of the environment and this initiative remains a strong feature of the school’s curriculum. The beach is used as an effective teaching and learning resource throughout the academic year and provides practical learning, for example, high tides as well as key content areas relevant to the following curriculum areas such as English, history, geography, PE and science. 

Find Out More About IQM 

If your school is interested in achieving the IQM Inclusive School Award, contact the IQM team on 028 7127 7857 or email admin@iqmaward.com. 

To find out more about IQM and request a free information pack, visit www.iqmaward.com.